Date / Region: 07/07/2020 NSWMainRange
Advisory Confidence:
MODERATE
Alpine Conditions
Sub-Alpine Conditions
Mountain environments can be categorised as above or below the tree line, thus Alpine and Subalpine respectively. Find out more about how these types of terrain can create or mitigate backcountry hazards here.
Travel & Terrain advice:
If you can make your way through the bushes and rocks up to the Alpine, there are some turns to be had on lee slopes. The cold overnight temps are keeping the Alpine surface snow on lee slopes dry and powdery. Ridges and windward slopes are shallow and icy. Take care descending back down through the Sub-Alpine - the shallow snowpack can collapse around bushes, and rocks/branches are lurking just below the surface.
We are always keen to know what you found out there on your tour. Share your field observations in the Main Range NSW.
Observations Summary 6th July
Snow Surface Conditions Summary
Shallow and icy on ridgetops and windward aspects, with deeper drifts of wind-transported snow on leeward slopes in the Alpine. Rocks, bushes and fallen timber exposed below treeline.
Hard-packed snow with some soft and dry windrifts. Isolated patches of ice in the Alpine. A melt-freeze crust in the Sub-Alpine which softened through the day.
Alpine depth: 60-80cm
Sub-Alpine depth: Ranging from 10-60cm
Shallow with plenty of exposed obstacles. Sastrugi and ice at higher elevations.
Alpine depth: 110cm
Sub-Alpine depth: 80cm
Weather Summary
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. A strong high pressure system is slowly drifting across the state from the west. The next significant weather system looks set to cross the state during the weekend. [Source:BOM]